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9 LONG TITLE
10 General Description:
11 This joint resolution of the Legislature authorizes the Utah State Developmental Center
12 Board to approve the sale of land associated with the Utah State Developmental Center
13 (USDC) for the purpose of building an east-west connector road.
14 Highlighted Provisions:
15 This resolution:
16 ▸ recognizes the important role the USDC plays in the provision of resources and
17 support for individuals with intellectual disabilities who have complex or acute
18 needs;
19 ▸ recognizes the contributions that members of the community make to the USDC;
20 ▸ recognizes the value of an east-west connector road for the environment, the
21 economy, the local community, and individuals who visit, volunteer, and work at
22 the USDC; and
23 ▸ authorizes the USDC Board to approve the sale of land associated with the USDC
24 for the purpose of building an east-west connector road.
25 Special Clauses:
26 None
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28 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
29 WHEREAS, Utah Code Subsection 62A-5-206.6(5) requires that the Utah State
30 Developmental Center Board obtain the approval of the Legislature before offering real
31 property or water rights associated with the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC) for sale,
32 long-term lease, or other disposition;
33 WHEREAS, in 1929 the Legislature established the Utah State Training Center, later
34 known as the USDC, to assist with the care, protection, treatment, and education of individuals
35 with intellectual disabilities;
36 WHEREAS, like other states, Utah built the public institution in a remote location and
37 within a broad perimeter of land that provided a physical barrier between the institution and the
38 nearest rural homes and communities;
39 WHEREAS, since state governments first acknowledged a public interest in, and
40 accepted some fiscal responsibility for, citizens with intellectual disabilities, states have made
41 sweeping changes in the philosophy and practice of providing public services to those citizens;
42 WHEREAS, these paradigm shifts have resulted from a growing knowledge about
43 intellectual disabilities, including their causes, prevention, interventions, and accommodations;
44 WHEREAS, also contributing to the paradigm shifts was an improving regard for
45 individuals who experience intellectual disabilities, as evidenced by public laws that affirm and
46 promote their rights, an expansion of publicly funded services, and greater inclusion by their
47 communities;
48 WHEREAS, the USDC Board oversees and makes recommendations to the Legislature
49 concerning the development of real property associated with the USDC for the long-term
50 benefit and safety of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive
51 care or support from the USDC;
52 WHEREAS, each year individuals from the local community provide over 16,000 hours
53 of volunteer service to the USDC;
54 WHEREAS, according to a 2017 Department of Transportation managed study, by the
55 year 2040, an east-west connector road is projected to save up to 44,000 hours of driving time
56 each year and reduce miles traveled each year by 1.8 million;
57 WHEREAS, the improved access that an east-west connector road will provide will
58 benefit USDC volunteers, visitors, and staff members; and
59 WHEREAS, the improved access that an east-west connector road will provide will
60 reduce response time for public safety personnel who serve the USDC, thus improving safety
61 and security for USDC residents:
62 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature, in accordance with Utah
63 Code Subsection 62A-5-206.6(5), authorizes the USDC Board to approve the sale of land
64 associated with the USDC for the purpose of building an east-west connector road, according
65 to specifications provided by the Department of Transportation in collaboration with the USDC
66 Board, and in consideration of the resolution passed by the USDC Board on May 17, 2017.
67 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature directs that the Department of
68 Transportation and all other governmental entities involved in the construction of the east-west
69 connector road take all reasonable steps to mitigate any negative impact on the Utah State
70 Developmental Center or private property.
Legislative Review Note
Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel